Manny Pacquiao, who is running for president, said Monday he would continue giving away cash to supporters, telling critics that the money is from his own pocket, not public coffers.
What if his money runs out? Pacquiao told reporters during a visit to Baguio City, "God will provide".
Pacquiao said he had been giving out cash since his ascent to boxing stardom in 2002. During visits to the provinces, he gives out food and P1,000 bills to those who attend his sorties.
Critics say the cash handouts amounted to vote-buying but Pacquiao said he would not stop until he is told that what he's doing is illegal.
"Siguro, naiingit sila dahil ginagawa ko mula noon hanggang ngayon at hindi nila kayang gawin sa puso nila. Magawa siguro nila pag eleksyon lang," Pacquiao said in the interview posted on News5Everywhere Facebook.
"Imbes na mamigay sila, nagnanakaw sila ng pera sa gobyerno ganaun naman karamihan... Pinaghirapan ko namana 'tong pera ko... Hindi yung iba diyan mamimigay, ninankaw naman pera," he said.
Asked what he would do if his money runs out, Pacquiao said: "Ang ating Panginoon, nagpoprovide ng lahat. Noon pa ako namimigay ng pera. God is good, blesses me many times. Yung blessing ng Panginoon sa akin hindi ko ma-explain, God is good all the time."
MORE ON MANNY PACQUIAO:
Manny Pacquiao: From Street Kid to Boxing Superstar
Can Manny Pacquiao Govern as President Philippines?
Manny Pacquaio Greatest Fights: Why He's a Boxing Legend
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